Mayor Taveras announces overhaul of Providence zoning regulations

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Joe the resident wants to add a front porch, but like many of his neighbors, and most of Providence, the size of his land is smaller than city zoning laws say it should be.

By Alisha A. Pina

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Joe the resident wants to add a front porch, but like many of his neighbors, and most of Providence, the size of his land is smaller than city zoning laws say it should be.

He now has to get the Zoning Board of Review's approval for this minor addition.

Mayor Angel Taveras and planning officials are hoping an overhaul of Providence's zoning regulations will eliminate this step.

The comprehensive update, they say, should also make the ordinance reflect the way neighborhoods currently look; guide sustainable development; preserve the city's historic character; and promote developers to build around busy public transit areas.

The revision is planned to take 12 months, with City Council approval by September 2014 and implementation the following month.

"We are updating and improving Providence's zoning ordinance as part of our work to jumpstart economic development in Rhode Island's capital city," Taveras said.

Saying the process will solicit input from business owners, residents and others, the mayor continued, "When we work together, when we have a vision and a plan, we can compete head-to-head with any city or state in this country."

The Planning Department is overseeing the overhaul with Camiros, the Chicago-based firm Providence hired for the project.